13 Of Our Favorite Events In Chicago This Week
By Michelle Meywes Kopeny in Arts & Entertainment on Jan 9, 2017 4:22PM
There's lots of music, comedy, baseball and more to rock your week in Chicago.
MONDAY JANUARY 9
SKA PUNK FLASHBACK: Believe it or not, it's been 20 years since Reel Big Fish "sold out" and made it big. They're in town this Monday for a show at House of Blues with fellow punk bands Anti-Flag, Ballyhoo! and Direct Hit! Show starts at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $27.50.
TUESDAY JANUARY 10
BENEFIT CONCERT: The Chicago Community Bond Fund helps vulnerable people accused of crimes get out of jail while awaiting trial. Local label Impossible Colors released a mixtape of protest music to benefit the fund and Tuesday they're putting on a showcase at Empty Bottle with local bands Mykele DeVille, The Avantist, Impulsive Hearts and Boys vs. Girls. Tickets are $5.
WEDNESDAY JANUARY 11
TOMORROW NEVER KNOWS: Since its inception a decade ago, Tomorrow Never Knows has given us something to look forward to in the cold unforgiving month of January. Basically an indoor winter music festival between Lincoln Hall, Schubas and Metro, TNK introduces us to what’s next in the world of music, plus performances from established acts such as Tortoise, Ezra Furman, JEFF the Brotherhood and BADBADNOTGOOD. The Hideout is the home for comedy during the fest, with acts like Beth Stelling and Phoebe Robinson. The festival continues through Jan. 15. Visit the TNK website for the full lineup, schedule and ticketing information.
BOAT SHOW: The annual Chicago Boat, RV & Strictly Sail Show opens at McCormick Place this week. Plan ahead for the warmer summer months at the outdoor show through Sunday. There will be boating simulators, seminars and courses, plus they’ve even got an indoor pool with paddle sports demos where you can try stand up paddleboarding (SUP), kayaking and more. Admission is $14.
HAMILTON EXHIBITION: The hit musical has brought renewed interest in the country’s first Treasury Secretary, and Newberry Library will host an exhibition spotlighting the history behind the musical. Many original materials will be on display including first editions of Hamilton’s writings and letters. Exhibition runs through March 9. Free.
WARM WINTER COCKTAIL TASTING: Take advantage of the cold weather with some warm cocktails at WestEnd. They’re hosting a Warm Winter Cocktail tasting at 7 p.m. that will have you sampling toasty beverages at four stations including a Hot Toddy, Irish Coffee, Hot Chocolate and Cider. Tickets are $15.
THURSDAY JANUARY 12
REEL SCIENCE: Get the REEL science story behind popular films at Adler Planetarium’s Reel Science at 6 p.m. Spaceballs is Thursday’s feature, with discussions on the physics of light sabers and lasers, interstellar travel, robots and humor in science. The evening includes a screening of the film, pre-show trivia and a post-show conversation with Adler astronomers. Tickets include: pre-show trivia, a post show discussion, and a Q&A session with a panel of Adler astronomers. Tickets are $22.
FRIDAY JANUARY 13
Image courtesy of The Second City e.t.c.
NEW SECOND CITY ETC REVUE: New year, new e.t.c Revue at The Second City. The 41st revue, titled Fantastic Super Great Nation Numero Uno, sees the comedy troupe once again taking on hot button political differences as we enter 2017 as such a divided nation. With several new cast members, they’ll help us see the funny side. Show time for the grand opening on Friday is 8 p.m. Tickets start at $19.
CUBS CONVENTION: Only 31 days until pitchers and catchers report. It’s music to the ears of baseball fans in Chicago, especially coming off a historic World Series victory last season. The 30th annual Cubs Convention this weekend at the Sheraton Chicago provides fans the opportunity to interact with players, coaches and alumni while immersing themselves in other Cubs madness. Tickets are $65.
WOODY’S WINTER WARM UP: Cubs legend Kerry Wood hosts the 6th Annual Woody’s Winter Warm Up at Harry Caray’s on Navy Pier at 8:30 p.m. Local celebrities and of course members of the World Series Champion Cubs team will be serving up drinks and competing for tips. Already committed to be in attendance are Kyle Hendricks, Ryne Sandberg, Tom Ricketts and stars from NBC’s Chicago Fire, Chicago PD, and Chicago Med. Tickets are $250 benefiting youth mentorship program Pitch In.
MIX AT SIX: Harris Theater’s performance happy hour series is back with Streb’s Action Hero at 6 p.m. See a one hour performance while enjoying signature drink specials and food trucks out front. Streb’s new show, SEA, displays their magical acrobatics and action set to an interactive soundtrack from their resident DJ/Producer. Tickets are $10.
MOSCOW MULE TASTING: Try different kinds of Moscow Mules at Schoolyard’s 8 p.m. tasting. Stations include tequila for a Jalisco Mule, whiskey for a Tennessee Mule, bourbon for a Kentucky Mule, and peach and traditional vodka for the classic Moscow Mule. Tickets are $35 and include passed apps and a souvenir copper mug.
EASY BAR ANNIVERSARY PARTY: The popular Wicker Park bar hits a milestone this month: ten years. They’ve invited local Prince cover band Purple Pain to play at 10 p.m. and then DJ Substance D will take us into the night. They’ll have drink specials including rotating craft beer deals throughout the night. 9 p.m. Free.